Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
AVONA
Manama (Agenzia Fides) - "We are the people of one God, we are one family, we come from different countries, with different languages, cultures and traditions, but we are all brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ", emphasizes the parish priest of the Sacred Heart Church in Manama, Father Francis Padavupurackkal Joseph, OFM cap., on the preparations for the upcoming Family Day to be celebrated in the parish. "This Family Day is an opportunity to feel that we are all one family in Christ. We are expecting 4,000 to 5,000 people from the different communities," added the Capuchin priest.
The event, inspired by the motto: 'Reaching for Hope, Branching together', will bring together the large and diverse Catholic community of the parish, which is part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia. It will open with a solemn mass and will take place throughout February 9th.
This community-focused event promises to bring families, friends and believers together in a joyful celebration of unity, love and faith, we read in a note sent to Fides. "Let us flourish together, love one another and come together to rejoice and celebrate unity in the one Lord and in the Patroness of Our Lady of Arabia", added Vicar Apostolic of Northern Arabia, Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T..
Throughout the day, various activities such as cultural and musical performances, games, etc. will be held in the church premises, starting at 8 a.m. and will continue throughout the day. This extraordinary celebration is intended to express the power of family, faith and community.
The Sacred Heart Church is the first church built in Bahrain, where the first Christian community gathered in 1938. On June 9, 1939, the foundation stone was laid on land provided by the then ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Haman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and it was formally consecrated on March 3, 1940. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 23/1/2024)
